Page 1412 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 524

14 July 2016

Dust

Please see enclosed bulletin regarding the hazards of working in dusty atmospheres that was shared as
part of Best Practice by RVT Group.

We regularly work on old signage where a layer of dust has settled inside. It is easy to dismiss this
hazard as insignificant, but as the attached white-paper shows, there a 500 people per year that die as a
result of dust related causes. The problem is worse if the old signage is covered in bird droppings, or
when sanding areas (usually as part of paint preparation) that are potentially contaminated with fuel or
containing lead based paints.

When drilling, sanding or working in any environment that contains significant levels of dust,
appropriate dust masks must be worn. In some cases respiratory equipment will be needed. Always
check your JSA/JHA AND carry out a LMRA to identify the correct method of control. If the dust
level is excessive, or you are not sure how to proceed safely contact your line manager.

We would like to thank RVT Group for granting permission to use their dust whitepaper.
http://www.rvtgroup.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RVT_Whitepaper_DUST.pdf

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!